Office of Indigenous Initiatives
The Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) at UTM works to mobilize University of Toronto’s commitments to Truth and Reconciliation as outlined in Answering the Call – Wecheehetowin. Following the recommendations of the report, the OII guides the University of Toronto Mississauga's efforts in amplifying Indigenous voices and Indigenous placekeeping on campus.
In addition to weaving Indigenous life and thought into the fabric of UTM, the OII serves as a resource to campus faculty and staff, who may consult the OII for help in integrating Indigeneity into student life, physical spaces, course curriculums, faculty research, and recruitment initiatives.
Consultations
The OII provides guidance to UTM staff, faculty, and librarians on how to advance Indigenous strategic initiatives.
Consult with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Placekeeping
UTM has dramatically expanded Indigenous spaces on campus. Many, like UTM's Tipi and Teaching Lodge, are available for booking.
Learn more about UTM's Indigenous spaces
All Nations Powwow
Every year OII connects with neighbouring First Nations to organize a Powwow at UTM's campus.
Media Inquiries
Our office looks forward to sharing more about our mandates and initiatives.
UTM Indigenous Centre
The UTM Indigenous Centre (IC) provides service delivery, programming, and support to Indigenous faculty, students, staff, and librarians. The IC works to build lasting and meaningful relationships with surrounding Indigenous communities. The IC also hosts gatherings and cultural programming for UTM's Indigenous members and provides a welcoming and inclusive space for future Indigenous students.
Presentations and Collaborations
Our staff is available to present on Indigenous themes, collaborate on projects, and take part in special events on campus
Connect with IC
Indigenous Student Support Specialist
Indigenous students can book a one-on-one session with our support specialist.
Book with the Indigenous Support Specialist
Events Calendar
All members of the UTM community are welcome to attend Indigenous-focused events across the university's three campuses.
See our Upcoming Events
Our centre very active on Instagram and would love for you to follow us!
Go to UTM_Indigenous Instagram
Now Recruiting/ Call for Applications
Are you an undergraduate, graduate or PhD student at U of T that will be registered for the next 2026-27 academic year? Apply now to become a Reach researcher!
Join a global network of diverse, talented student researchers and faculty to investigate overlooked climate, public health and economic challenges – especially those affecting under-served populations for geographic, administrative or social barriers .
As a Reach researcher, you’ll collaborate in interdisciplinary teams and your research grounded in community will generate actionable insights, that help accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals and launch your own leadership journey as a global change maker. Learn how you can become a Reach researcher here.
For more details and to apply visit: https://reachalliance.org/partner/university-of-toronto/
Upcoming Events
Keynote Speaker: Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
The Jackman Humanities Institute, Creation Studio and UTM Office of Indigenous Initiatives invites you to join us in a keynote speaking event with Leanne Betasamosake Simpson.
Friday, January 16, 2026
1:00 - 3:30 PM
The Lodge (located on Principal's Road)
Lunch and refreshments provided.
Registration required limited capacity
Please note, the UTM Indigenous Centre will send a confirmation email to confirm your registration.
If you require accommodation(s) to attend this in-person event, please email faith.desmoulin@utoronto.ca
Lunch & Learn with Dr. Verne Ross
Join Dr. Verne Ross at First Nations House for a Lunch & Learn!
Friday, January 16, 2026
12:00pm-1:00pm
Hybrid session:
In-person: 563 Spadina Ave, 3rd floor Seminar Room (room 304)
Online: MS Teams link will be emailed on the morning of the event.
This week's topic is: The meaning of being two-spirit.
Dr. Verne Ross is a Traditional Knowledge Keeper and social from Cote First Nation (Salteaux, Treaty 4, Saskatchewan). He is currently the Senior Indigenous Lead at First Nations House Indigenous Student Services at University of Toronto.
Each week Verne will share some cultural teachings, each week is a different topic.
U of T students, staff and faculty members are welcome to attend.
Questions? Email: fnhresource.centre@utoronto.ca
ROM Back of House and Crawford Lake Exhibit
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
10:45 am – 12:45 pm,
Royal Ontario Museum
Schedule:
10:45 a.m. – Meet at the ROM
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Beadwork back of house
12:15 – 12:45 p.m. – Tour of Crawford Lake exhibit
Please fill out the MS Form to specify what nation you are from.
Big Cousin Mentorship
Join the Big Cousin's Mentorship program's trip to Hart House Farms
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Register here
Students, staff and Faculty who need transportation are asked to meet at the front of the William G. Davis Building at 8:45 as the taxis will be leaving UTM at 9:00 am and returning to campus for 4:30 pm.
For folks joining us at Hart House Farms, the address is 15911 Creditview Rd, Terra Cotta, ON L7C 3G8. Please feel free to share with other interested students!
Ease into winter semester with your Big Cousins and other Indigenous students, staff and faculty as we explore Hart House Farms! We will also be joined by the Wholesome Conscious to lead us in an Indigenous foods cooking demonstration. Join us for hikes, cooking, crafting and games to build community, reconnect with nature and support your holistic wellbeing!
Reconnecting with the Land: Regulating Mind, Body, Spirit
Friday, January 23, 2026
1:00pm – 2:30pm,
The Teaching Lodge, Earth Sciences Courtyard (Earth Sciences Centre, 22 Ursula Franklin St.)
Health & Wellness (UTSG) and First Nations House are offering Reconnecting with the Land: Regulating Mind, Body, Spirit, a land-based healing workshop for Indigenous students.
Indigenous Students are invited to spend time on the Land engaging in grounding activities that support emotional regulation, reflection, and overall wellness.
Together, we’ll engage in practices and cultural teachings that deepen our connection to the Land, ourselves, and each other.
Benefits:
- Reduce stress and enhance holistic balance.
- Learn regulation and mindfulness tools rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing.
- Strengthen relationship with the Land as a source of healing.
Anishinaabemowin class with Michael Thunderbird
UTM Office of Indigenous Initiatives invites you to join us in Anishinaabemowin class with Michael Thunderbird.
Friday, January 23, 2026
12:00 - 5:00 PM
The Lodge (located on Principal's Road)
Register here
Lunch and refreshments provided.
Registration required limited capacity
Michael Thunderbird is a second-language Anishinaabemowin speaker from Long Plain First Nation, Manitoba. He began teaching the language at the age of 18 and has since dedicated himself to its revitalization. Michael is the founder of Animikiibineshi, an initiative that provides Anishinaabemowin language resources, as well as in-person and online classes and workshops, helping learners reconnect with the Anishinaabe languages and cultures.
Please note, the UTM Indigenous Centre will send a confirmation email to confirm your registration.
If you require accommodation(s) to attend this in-person event, please email faith.desmoulin@utoronto.ca
Toronto Raptors Game
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
7:30pm, Scotiabank Arena
Please enter the draw by January 12 on Folio.
First Nations House will be going to the Toronto Raptors game on January 28 against the New York Knicks.
Tickets will be chosen on a raffle system, and are for Indigenous students only (First Nations, Michif/Metis, Inuit).
Indigenous Alumni Night
Thursday, January 29, 2026
6:00pm – 8:00pm,
Borden Building North (563 Spadina Cres.),
St. George Campus
Register on Folio
For Alum who cannot access Folio please submit the MS Form for registration.
First Nations House invites current Indigenous students and Indigenous Alumni for an evening of community and networking. Representatives from Career Exploration and Alumni Services will be there to share information and resources for Alum and current students. Refreshments and snacks will be available.
For any questions, please contact June Viglatzis Coordinator of Academic Supports at First Nations House: academicsupports.fnh@utoronto.ca
Resources
Smudging on Campus
Consult UTM's smudging policy when planning an event where smudging may take place.
Land Acknowledgements
Learn more about the intentionality behind the University of Toronto's land acknowledgement and how to thoughtfully integrate it into planned activities.
Orange Shirt Day
Resources to help the UTM community honour the children who went to residential schools. The event takes place every year on September 30.
"Without truth, justice, and healing, there can be no genuine reconciliation. Reconciliation is not about closing a sad chapter of Canada’s past, but about opening new healing pathways of reconciliation that are forged in truth and justice."
—Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee, Volume 6: Reconciliation, page 7